Dr. Matthew Bridges is passionate about patient education to make sure this condition is better understood. Furthermore, at Chisholm Trail Smile Center, he can diagnose and treat temporomandibular disorders with effective, non-invasive care.

If you suffer from the symptoms of TMD, contact our office today.

What is TMD?

Temporomandibular disorders are a group of disorders that affect the jaw joints and muscles. In some cases, it may involve joint dysfunction, such as a slipped disc or bone injury. In other cases, muscle inflammation may be the main concern. Patients can also suffer from both joint and muscle problems.

TMD is quite common. An estimated 11 to 12 million US adults suffer from one of these conditions.

What’s the difference between TMJ and TMD?

The TMJ is the temporomandibular joint, located on each side of the jaw. TMD is a temporomandibular disorder, affecting those joints.

What causes the condition?

TMD can arise for many different reasons. Facial trauma or injuries to the TMJs are one cause. Excessive jaw strain, due to chronic teeth grinding, can also lead to TMD. 

In many cases, the exact cause is unclear, but there are certain risk factors. For instance, women are more likely to suffer than men. Genetics and stress can also play a role. 

How long does TMD last?

It can last a few days, a few weeks, or many years. Sometimes it can go away on its own. Quite frequently, however, the condition will flare up periodically, especially in times of stress. 

Fortunately, once patients seek treatment, discomfort often disappears after a few days!

Is TMD serious?

These disorders are not life threatening, but they can take a huge toll on your quality of life. Symptoms include: 

• Frequent headaches
• Jaw stiffness
• Facial pain
• Ear pain
• Tinnitus
• Neck and shoulder pain 
• Popping in the jaw joints
• Dizziness
• Pain or difficulty when eating

Moreover, temporomandibular disorders can seriously affect your bite and cause lasting damage to your teeth. In severe cases, eating may be restricted, and you could suffer from nutrient deficiency. 75% of surveyed patients report altering their diet in response to jaw pain.

What are my treatment options?

Dr. Bridges typically begins with a combination of simple, convenient treatments. In most cases, he will provide an oral appliance. This will reposition your jaw and alleviate pressure on your TMJs while you sleep. He may also suggest anti-inflammatory medications, jaw exercises, muscle relaxants, and lifestyle changes.  

If you have particularly severe TMD, Dr. Bridges may refer you to an orthodontist or oral surgeon.

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Bridges Today

Contact us to learn more about TMD and find out what is causing your jaw pain. 

You can reach our Duncan, OK, office online, or you can give us a call at 580-255-4880.

The post Everything You Should Know about TMD appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Your Most Valuable Asset is Your Health

Think of your most valuable asset. What comes to mind? If you said your health, you’re right. Maintaining your oral and overall health helps you function at your best on a daily basis. When you take care of your dental health, you can consume various foods to meet adequate nutrition, clearly communicate, and socialize with confidence. Moreover, regular dental visits help prevent the spread of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health conditions

Now, imagine life without your health. Your ability to take care of yourself and other people might be impacted. Furthermore, your ability to work and complete daily tasks depend on your quality and status of health. Also, your mouth connects to other body parts and might exacerbate other health conditions. For example, you might be surprised that there’s a growing suspicion that the plaque that accumulates in your teeth is connected to the plaque that builds up in your arteries. As a matter of fact, people with periodontal disease have 2 to 3 times the risk of having a stroke, heart attack, or other serious cardiovascular events.

Modest but effective adjustments can protect your oral and overall health, including:

•       Brushing and flossing your teeth before bed and when you wake up
•       Undergoing dental exams and cleanings every six months
•       Choosing a balanced diet

We’ll Give You the Tools the Trade Through Patient Education

During a preventive dental exam and cleaning, your dental hygienist will take the time to teach the best practices in oral hygiene—including brushing, flossing, and other techniques that benefit your dental health. In turn, you have the knowledge to take care of your teeth at home.

Anticipate Lifelong, Positive Returns

Preventive dentistry is proactive, and proper preventive care helps patients avoid major oral health issues. Preventive dentistry aims to keep the teeth, gums, and jawbone in tip-top shape. Thus, potentially eliminating the need for more extensive dental care along the way. Additionally, investing in your oral health now might save you money in the long run.

On the other hand, restorative dentistry is reactive. It’s a way for dentists to repair your smile after tooth loss. For instance, if you have a tooth that falls out from extensive decay, the most optimal way to replace your teeth with dental implants. Dental implants give patients the ability to smile again but at a cost. However, wouldn’t it be wiser to avoid needing dental implants by taking care of your natural teeth?

Don’t Waste Another Moment with a Lack of Dental! Smile and Schedule a Dental Visit with Dr. Bridges.

You can trust Dr. Bridges because he delivers on your dental investment by providing excellent dental care at his dental office in Duncan, OK. Start investing in your health and schedule a dental visit at Chisholm Trail Smile Center by calling 580-255-4880 or messaging us online right now.

The post Invest in Dental, Smile More appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

The best thing you can do for your oral health is regularly visit your dentist, which means visits every six months. Dr. Matthew L. Bridges in Duncan, OK is passionate about providing preventive dental care for patients of all ages. He’ll help you determine what you can add to your homecare regimen to help deter oral disease. For parents, Dr. Bridges provides tips and answers questions, so you can work together for the best result for your children.

Maintain a Healthy Smile at Home

Include these three essential steps into your daily oral hygiene routine:

• Brushing: Proper technique is extremely important. Start with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use a circular motion to brush along the gumline, the back, front, and top of each tooth, and your tongue. Pay special attention to your back molars and any fillings or crowns. Brush for two minutes. Remember to replace your toothbrush at least every three months.
• Flossing: Most people avoid flossing altogether, but you shouldn’t! Flossing reaches the areas your toothbrush can’t. Use regular floss, dental floss holders, or interdental cleaning devices to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. Always move the particles away from the gum line. Floss every single day.
• Rinsing: Mouthwash offers a variety of benefits. It can reduce bad breath, prevent plaque buildup that leads to gingivitis, promote remineralization of enamel, and whiten teeth. Use an ADA-approved mouthwash or ask Dr. Bridges which mouthwash he recommends.

Healthy Eating

Foods and drinks with a high amount of processed sugar and other carbohydrates are one of the top causes of cavities. Changing your eating habits will benefit your oral health as well as your overall health.

We won’t ask you to completely avoid eating sweets and carbs, but there are foods you can add to your daily diet that will strengthen and clean your teeth. These include:

• Dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt
• Leafy greens
• Lean proteins like chicken and fish
• Fibrous, low-sugar vegetables like carrots and celery

Of course, you should also make it a priority to substitute water for beverages such as sodas, sports drinks, and juices that eat away the protective enamel on your teeth.

Regular Dental Visits

According to the American Dental Association, you should visit the dentist at least twice a year. These visits are important because your dentist can detect oral health problems that you likely won’t spot at home. Symptoms of overall health issues such as diabetes, thyroid problems, heart disease, and osteoporosis commonly manifest in the mouth, so your dentist may be the first to detect signs of these conditions.

A regular dental cleaning will also deter cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Research shows that oral health is linked to overall health, so by reducing the potential for oral health problems, you will also reduce the likelihood of overall health problems.

In addition to visiting the dentist a least twice a year, you should schedule an appointment if you notice changes in your oral health, such as:

• Sensitive teeth
• Irritated or bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• A toothache
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Jaw pain
• Dry mouth
• A loose filling or crown

The First Step: Visit the Dentist

Our team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center would love to be a part of your journey towards great oral health. Visit Dr. Bridges soon for a checkup and cleaning, and to learn specifically how to improve your daily oral care routine.

The post What’s the best oral hygiene routine? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

General dentists are trained in a wide range of dental procedures, and most dental problems are treatable in our office. However, when necessary Dr. Matthew L. Bridges, our general dentist in Duncan, OK, will collaborate with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to treat issues that require oral surgery. If you have oral or jaw pain, contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center at 580-255-4880 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bridges.

Education

Both general dentists required to complete a bachelor’s degree and four additional years of dental school. During this time, students study anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and oral surgery. They also gain hands-on training to learn how to diagnose and treat dental problems. At the completion of these four years, a general dentist will go on to pass a licensure exam.

Oral surgeons, on the other hand, have the option of dental school or medical school. After four years of either schooling is complete, they will continue their education with four to six more years of a surgical residency. The Commission on Dental Accreditation requires that oral surgeons obtain additional training in oral pathology, anesthesia, and oral surgery. The doctor can then complete and pass a board certification.

What Dentists and Dental Surgeons Do for Patients

General dentists do more than just perform checkups; they can address most oral health problems. In a day’s work, a dentist may:

• Examine, diagnose, and treat oral diseases, injuries, and teeth and gum abnormalities
• Treat dental nerve and pulp disease – root canal therapy
• Fit and install dental restorations and prosthetics – crowns, bridges, dentures, implants
• Create and fit oral appliances – bite guards, night guards, TMJ devices
• Providing preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental care
• Install and manage dental braces cases for orthodontics

This is not a comprehensive list of all a general dentist can do, but you get the idea. They do a lot!

All dentists are trained and prepared to carry out these duties. If you are experiencing pain in or around your mouth, the dentist should be your first stop. He will recommend an oral surgeon if he believes you need one.

Oral surgeons usually work with a patient’s referring general dentist to ensure a positive treatment outcome for the patient’s long-term good oral health. The oral surgeon can perform surgery and other procedures related to the oral and maxillofacial (jaw) regions. The responsibilities of oral surgeons include performing surgery and procedures on the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, face, and jaw because of:

• Disease
• Injury
• Defects
• Dysfunction
• Appearance

Dr. Bridges’ Interdisciplinary Approach

Dr. Bridges will always recommend and work with an oral surgeon on behalf of his patient when the situation requires it. He refers his patients only to respected, proven oral surgeons who put patient care first. The following scenarios may require an oral surgeon’s expertise:

• Impacted wisdom teeth
• TMJ disorder
• Overbite/underbite
• Dental implants
• Sleep apnea
• Oral cancer
• Cleft lip or palate

In many of these cases, the oral surgeon and dentist will collectively create a treatment plan that best meets the patient’s needs. This usually requires work from both parties. As is the case with dental implants—an oral surgeon will install the implant in your jaw and Dr. Bridges will design and secure the restoration, once your gums have healed.

In this way, both professionals work together to give the patient high-quality, comprehensive care.

Visit Your General Dentist in Duncan, OK

If you are experiencing pain in and around your mouth because of wisdom teeth, a cavity, jaw problems, or an unknown source, call Dr. Bridges to schedule a visit, so he can to diagnose and treat your issue. Most dental concerns can be treated in our office, but if necessary Dr. Bridges will refer you to an oral surgeon.

The post What’s the difference between a dentist and a dental surgeon? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges will use his dental expertise to relieve your toothache, determine the cause, and create a preventative dental plan to keep the pain from returning. A toothache should never be ignored. Contact our Duncan, OK office today at (580) 255-4880 to schedule an appointment.

Exercise, sinuses, and other health problems can cause toothaches, but these are much less common. Here, we will discuss the top five causes of toothache.

1. Tooth decay

When bacteria eat away at the enamel on your teeth, it’s called tooth decay. This alone can cause pain and leads to dental sensitivity and cavities. As the cavity grows and moves closer to the nerves inside your teeth, the pain worsens.

If possible, you should visit Dr. Bridges before a cavity forms. The initial stages of tooth decay typically only require a deep dental cleaning or a filling. Cavities may require more extensive procedures like a crown or a root canal.

2. Wisdom teeth

Most peoples’ wisdom teeth erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. If there isn’t enough space for the wisdom teeth to erupt, you will most likely experience pain, inflammation, infection, or a combination of the three. If this is the case, you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed. However, if your mouth hurts simply because the wisdom teeth are erupting, over-the-counter pain medicine can relieve your pain.

Visit with Dr. Bridges to learn if your toothache is caused by improper development of your wisdom teeth or erupting wisdom teeth.

3. Bruxism

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can be caused by stress, anxiety, malocclusion, or other medical conditions. If you wake up with a dull headache, sore face, and/or tight jaw, you may suffer from TMJ disorder.  Dr. Bridges can assess your jaw for the cause of your bruxism and recommend the appropriate treatment.

4. Fractured tooth

Car accidents, sports injuries, and eating hard foods can cause you to break a tooth. Even if the fracture is small, you should contact your dentist immediately to learn if it can be repaired or if the tooth root has been damaged. Any amount of trauma to your tooth will cause pain, but if the tooth root has been damaged, you will most likely experience greater and prolonged pain.

5. Receding gums

Gum recession is typically a sign of gum disease. If your tooth pain arises when you eat hot or cold foods, it may be a result of receding gums. When the gums pull away from the teeth, the tooth roots become exposed. Because the roots aren’t protected by enamel, certain substances can trigger pain.

Contact Your Duncan, OK Dentist Today

Whatever the cause of your toothache, Dr. Bridges is prepared to relieve your pain. Our dental practice offers a variety of restorative dental treatments to get to the root of the problem and keep it from happening again. Schedule an appointment with one of our team members today at (580) 255-4880.

The post What’s Causing My Toothache? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

If you are experiencing extreme tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or tooth discoloration, you may require the restorative benefits of root canal therapy. Contact your 73533 dentist Dr. Matthew L. Bridges at (580) 255-4880 today for a full mouth examination and professional, gentle root canal therapy treatment.

The Procedure

To many minds, root canal therapy sounds painful. In reality, most patients report feeling comfortable during their procedure. This is because the dentist provides a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area before the process begins.

The dentist starts by isolating the tooth and making an opening in the crown that exposes the pulp chamber. Any bacteria and debris that are the cause of your pain will then be removed.

Next, special tools are used to remove the pulp and clean and shape the canals. Then, the roots are filled with a material called gutta-percha, an inert rubber, and the top of the tooth is sealed to stop germs from returning to the tooth root. Finally, a filling or crown is placed to strengthen and protect your natural tooth structure.

Side Effects

For a couple of days following treatment, patients may feel mild sensitivity and tenderness caused by swollen or inflamed tissue around the gums. These common side effects should subside over time.

Dr. Bridges will do everything possible to ensure that you experience a comfortable treatment and a quick recovery. In rare cases, post-surgery complications may arise. Call our office if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Extreme pain or pressure after the first few days after treatment
• An allergic reaction to medication
• Visible swelling inside or outside the mouth
• An uneven bite
• A loose crown or filling
• Symptoms you experienced before treatment

Remember, a root canal is supposed to relieve your pain. If you think your pain or discomfort is unnatural, your 73533 dentist and his team will be happy to answer your questions.

Benefits

When possible, preserving the natural tooth is always in the best interest of a patient. Natural tooth roots prevent jawbone atrophy. Other benefits of root canal therapy include:

• A comfortable procedure: According to the American Association of Endodontists, root canal patients are six times more likely to describe their procedure as painless compared to those who have a tooth extracted.
• A convenient treatment: A root canal is completed in one visit to your dentist. You’ll only need to visit the dentist again for a check-up or to have your permanent crown replaced.
• An affordable treatment: Tooth extractions require follow-up appointments for dentures, bridges, and implants once your mouth has healed, making those procedures more expensive than a root canal.

Visit Your 73533 Dentist Today

If an injured or infected tooth is left untreated, that tooth will eventually need to be extracted. Untreated infections can also spread to other teeth and surrounding tissues. Delayed treatments can lead to more expensive oral and overall health issues down the road. Schedule your treatment today. Contact Dr. Bridges and his friendly team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center by calling (580) 255-4880.

The post Root Canal: Procedure, Side Effects, and Benefits appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

If it’s been a while since your last dental office visit, contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center at 580-255-4880 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew L. Bridges.

Here are the top benefits of a dental cleaning:

1. A Brighter Smile

Extrinsic stains on your teeth are caused by coffee, tea, red wine, tomatoes, berries, and many other food and beverages. Because these stains are just on the enamel, they can be removed when they are gently scrubbed with a high-quality toothpaste and dental tools such as the ones we use during a dental cleaning.

A dental cleaning won’t produce the same results as a professional teeth whitening, but you may notice a significant difference in the brightness of your teeth.

2. A Thorough Cleaning

A dental hygienist can clean and floss your teeth more thoroughly. The hygienist can reach your back teeth more easily and completely floss in-between your teeth and down to your gums. These places are where disease-causing bacteria often lurk and cause cavities, periodontal disease, and tooth loss

3. Prevention of Overall Health Problems

When you skip dental cleanings, you are more prone to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. These problems can lead to heart attacks, strokes, infertility, pregnancy complications, and diabetes.

4. Freshen Breath

Poor dental hygiene, oral infections, and gum disease are common causes of bad breath. A dental cleaning is a great way to rid your mouth of the bacteria that causes bad breath.

5. Save Money

Your dental cleaning helps prevent dental issues that are much more expensive to treat. For this reason, regular dentist office visits will actually save you money in the long run. Additionally, most insurances completely cover your dental cleaning and oral exam so you won’t have to pay a penny. However, if you don’t have dental insurance, the visit is still affordable, especially when compared to most other dental procedures.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we also accept CareCredit® and offer in-office, affordable payment plans to break up the cost of your visit.

Visit Your Duncan, OK Dentist Office Today

When you attend your regular dental cleaning, you don’t just walk out with a shinier smile, you walk out with a healthier mouth and body. Additionally, if any other dental or periodontal issues are detected, we can create a personalized treatment plan to restore your oral health and prevent major problems in the future.

Dr. Bridges and our team of caring dental hygienists are passionate about providing excellent dental care to patients of all ages. Maintaining the health of our patients is what motivates us to do our jobs to the best of our ability every day.

To schedule your dental cleaning, contact us today at 580-255-4880.

The post Why are dental cleanings important? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

If you’re considering a professional teeth whitening, you may wonder, Is it worth it? How long will the results last?

It varies based on what whitening method you use. Here are three different whitening options and how long they last:

1.      In-Office Teeth Whitening

At our office, we trust Zoom!® to give you the best results. Zoom! can lighten your natural teeth by up to eight shades in just one hour. One of our trained dental professionals will apply the hydrogen peroxide whitening gel three different times to your teeth. The Zoom light will then be placed over your teeth for 15 minutes.

The effects of this treatment can last anywhere from six months to years. It all depends on how you take care of your teeth. Avoid foods, drinks, and habits that stain teeth to enjoy the effects for years.

2.      Take-Home Teeth Whitening

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we also offer take-home treatments. This way, you can brighten your smile at your own convenience—all you need to do is wear the tray for 15 minutes a day or all night! The whitening product we offer is Opalescence® by Ultradent. Because this product is not as strong as our in-office treatments, it takes about two weeks to produce your desired results, but they are just as dramatic.

Just like in-office treatments, take-home whitening treatments will produce lasting results as long as you make good dental choices. You may also consider using Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste to help maintain your new smile.

3.      Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening

While toothpastes, strips, and over-the-counter whitening trays do produce results, they will not provide long-lasting effects. Here are the facts:

• Whitening toothpaste might brighten your teeth up to one shade, and the results last about one month.
• Whitening strips whiten teeth up to two shades and can last up to two months.
• Over-the-counter whitening trays lighten teeth up to three shades brighter and last about one month.

We’ve all heard the saying “you get what you pay for.” You can spend less money on whitening products from the drug store, but they just won’t give you the dramatic and long-term results you want.

Visit Your Duncan, OK Dentist Today

We love to help our patients achieve a brighter smile so they can feel more confident and beautiful than before. If you are looking for a fast, reliable, and efficient way to achieve a show-stopping smile, professional teeth whitening could be the answer.

Before receiving this treatment, it’s essential that you must have healthy teeth and gums. If you have a dental issue that needs to be addressed, we are prepared to treat it. We can restore your teeth and gums back to health so you can receive professional whitening.

To schedule your appointment and learn if you are a good candidate for this treatment, contact our friendly staff today at (580) 255-4880.

The post How long do teeth whitening results last? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, our general dentist, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges, offers passionate, professional care for patients of all ages. The services we provide include preventative, restorative, and cosmetic care, as well as sedation dentistry. Here are the five most common dental problems we treat:

1. Bad Breath

Also known as halitosis, bad breath is common and extremely embarrassing. Causes of bad breath include:

• Gum disease
• Cavities
• Oral cancer
• Dry mouth
• Bacteria on the tongue

If you have chronic bad breath, don’t keep trying to eliminate it with gum and breath mints – visit your dentist. He can rule out any of these problems and perform a full mouth examination and dental cleaning.

2. Tooth Decay

Cavities are one of the most common health issues in the United States. These develop when plaque forms on your teeth and eats away at the enamel, which is the hard, protective surface of your tooth. Some common causes of tooth decay include:

• Consuming too much sugar
• Dry mouth
• Certain medications
• Bad oral hygiene

Cavities aren’t just for children; they can develop at any age. If you think you have a cavity, contact our office today to schedule an appointment. When cavities go untreated, they can cause much worse and much more expensive dental problems in the future.

3. Gum Disease

Periodontal disease – more commonly known as gum disease – causes tooth loss in adults more than any other disease. This is an infection of the soft tissues around your teeth. Symptoms include:

• Bad breath
• Tender, swollen, red, or bleeding gums
• Sensitive teeth
• Painful chewing

There are two stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. It’s important to visit your Duncan, OK general dentist as soon any symptoms of gum disease arise so he can stop the progression and prevent tooth loss.

4. Toothaches and Dental Emergencies

Urgent dental problems are often a result of trauma, such as a sports injury or car accident. In these situations, you don’t have time to wait for dental care. Our practice offers emergency dental care during our regular office hours. Contact us if you experience:

• A toothache or acute mouth pain
• A loose or knocked-out tooth
• Facial swelling
• Excessive bleeding
• Intense temperature sensitivity
• Swollen gums

5. Unattractive Smile

Although this isn’t technically a dental health problem, an unattractive smile can make you feel incredibly self-conscious. We help love helping our patients gain more confidence with these cosmetic treatments:

• Porcelain Veneers
• Composite Veneers
• Tooth Contouring
• Teeth Whitening

Let us help you achieve a beautiful smile today.

Visit Your Duncan, OK General Dentist Today

Whether you’re fighting bad breath, in pain because of a toothache, or just want to improve your smile, we have the solution for you! Dr. Bridges and his team will create a comprehensive plan that suits your specific needs. Contact us online or by calling (580) 255-4880 today.

The post Top Five Most Common Dental Problems appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

If you currently have dental insurance, and are looking for a dental provider in Duncan, OK, who can help you maximize your dental benefits, look no further than Chisolm Trail Smile Center! We are proud to be an in-network provider with Health Choice and Delta Premier, but can file insurance claims for many other providers. Call us today to schedule your consultation to learn more about our practice!

How much does dental insurance cost?

Many full-time employees can purchase dental insurance policies through their employer. Usually, companies pay for a part of the cost of dental insurance for employees, while some may even cover the total cost. Some employers may pay for dental coverage in full. For people who are self-employed, other policies are offered from major insurance groups. However, responsibility for premiums is entirely your own. Dental insurance premiums are not outrageously expensive. Many range anywhere from $15 to $50 a month.

What treatments does dental insurance cover?

Historically, insurance plans have covered restorative and preventive care. However, more and more premium plans are beginning to offer some coverage for certain cosmetic procedures such as professional whitening or orthodontics like traditional braces or Invisalign®.

Often, preventive treatments like teeth cleanings or dental examinations are covered in full. These procedures often cost less than restorative care, and can prevent future costly treatments, so insurance providers encourage their customers to receive these treatments by covering all of their cost.

Restorative treatments like fillings or dental crowns are usually covered in some part by insurance policies, though the percentage of costs covered varies greatly from plan to plan.

Are there alternatives to dental insurance?

Yes. In fact, dental savings plans have grown in popularity more and more as the shifting insurance landscape leaves some patients without access to quite as affordable insurance plans. These dental savings plans act as a type of discount program. Monthly membership fees qualify you for a certain percentage of savings off of commonly performed dental treatments. Like insurance, preventive treatments are usually discounted more heavily. These plans are also more likely to offer cost-savings on cosmetic procedures, as well.

Contact Your Duncan, OK, Insurance Dentist

Navigating the ins and outs of dental insurance can be difficult. Luckily, our front-office team at Chisolm Trail Smile Center is adept at filing claims and ensuring you receive the most benefits from your insurance coverage. For specific insurance coverage questions, it’s always a good idea to reach out directly to your insurance providers. But to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bridges, call us at (580) 255-4880.

The post Is dental insurance worth the cost? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.